Erik ten Hag says Manchester United concluded “they already had the best manager” after the club’s end of season review culminated in a decision to keep the Dutch coach.
Ten Hag explained it was “no secret” United had spoken to potential replacements before club representatives travelled to Ibiza to meet with him and discuss extending his contract.
His position had been the subject of uncertainty following a 2023-24 season where United finished down in eighth in the Premier League.
United had sounded out potential candidates including ex-Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi, recently departed Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna in case a change was made.
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But at the end of a process led by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, the decision was made for Ten Hag to continue.
“‘It was a turbulent season, but it is never a dull moment in Manchester,” Ten Hag told Dutch TV show Studio Fußball, where he was working as a pundit ahead of England’s Euro 2024 group stage fixture against Serbia.
“Last week they suddenly came to me, that they would like to continue. As in every organisation it is usual to evaluate, the new owners took their time to do that as well.
“They told me, but it was no secret that they spoke with multiple candidates. In Holland it is ‘not done’, but the rules in England are different. They drew the conclusion that they already had the best manager.
“They came to Ibiza. We held good conversations, about different subjects. We decided to continue and extend the contract, but we still have to agree. Some things need to happen before that happens.”
Ten Hag’s existing United contract runs until next June, with an option to prolong by 12 months, and they will now enter negotiations about extending those terms.
United recorded their lowest finishing position of the Premier League era and exited the Champions League in the group stage.
The build-up to the FA Cup final against Manchester City was largely overshadowed by speculation about Ten Hag’s position, with the manager admitting afterwards that he “didn’t know” if it was his last match in charge off the back of what he called a “rubbish” campaign.
United beat City 2-1 at Wembley, securing Europa League football in the process.
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(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
